Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Planning and Development Council - Pleasant County

Pleasants County

Pleasants County boasts not only a highly desirable quality of life manifested by one of the lowest crime rates in the nation, but also a workforce that is skilled, committed and characterized as having a good work ethic. From skilled labor to experienced professionals, the county’s workforce has a proven track record for getting the job done well. Pleasants County, one of the smallest of West Virginia’s counties, lies by the Ohio River in the western part of the state and has become a haven for local businesses and industry with ease of access to river, rail and interstate transportation. The community also has a fiber optics component in pace allowing residents and companies to effectively conduct business in the 21st century.

The county is very supportive of industry. Larger private sector employers include: Cytec, Inc., Allegheny Power Company, Arvilla Pipeline and Well Service, SimEx, Inc., Alpharma, Inc. and Cabot Corporation.

Population is just under 8,000, with more than 63 percent between the ages of 16 to 64 years. Pleasants County has the second highest regional percentage of high school graduates. Approximately 80 percent of the county’s workforce has a diploma. Higher education is also encouraged with more than one-third of the major employers providing tuition assistance or incentives. The Mid-Ohio Valley Technical Institute, near the county seat, provides specialized instruction in a variety of technical fields – from computer repair, business management and automotive technology, to health occupations, welding and construction.

Companies here are considered friends and partners. They are well supported by the community and benefit from a productive, loyal workforce.